Imagine getting a DEXA (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) scan at your nearest radiology centre. Everything is going well unless you receive your report with heavy medical terms, complicated instructions, and measurements. You realise your mind is blank as you try to understand your body issues.
DEXA scanresults are important to track your health, particularly when you are analysing the bone mineral density in the lower spine and hips. But as a beginner, seeing the results after the scan can be confusing without any prior knowledge. For this reason, this blog will guide you through the basics to understand your DEXA scan results and what they mean for your health.
Why is Getting a DEXA Scan Report Essential?
A DEXA scan report is the clear and full fledged picture of the mineral content in your bones. The test scans lower spine and hip bones primarily as they are vulnerable areas for fractures and bone loss. But in some cases, the technique examines your wrist bones if assessing lower back or hip i
With the help of a report, you can identify fracture risks and early signs of Osteoporosis, a condition of extreme bone fragility and change your lifestyle. In addition, the DEXA scan report also guides you through your body’s weight composition. Learning about your body’s fat percentage, muscle mass, and fat around organs help you to plan your workouts and nutrition accordingly.
Key Metrics in a DEXA Scan Report
Now that you are familiar with the importance of understanding your DEXA scan report, let’s identify key terms and values that you will see in the report. Whether it is T-score, Z-score, or a body fat percentage indication, knowing each value is crucial. Let’s find their meaning.
1. T-Score
Expressed in units, it compares your bone density to a healthy adult of the same gender. Here are different T-score ranges that you must know.
Normal (T-score of -1.0 or above):
If your T-score falls between -1.0 and above, your bone density is normal. This range indicates your bones are healthy and less likely to fracture.
Osteopenia (T-score between -1.0 and -2.5):
If you are getting any value between this range, your bone density is lower than normal and you are vulnerable to Osteopenia, a condition that increases chances of fractures with age.
Osteoporosis (T-score of -2.5 or lower):
A score below -2.5 suggests osteoporosis, a severe condition which makes bone fractures highly possible and suggests need for medical treatment or lifestyle changes.
2. Z-Score
The DEXA scan report also signals Z-score, which compares your bone density to the healthy person who is of the same age, size, and gender. It is an additional value that detects unusually high or low scores. Here are different Z-score ranges that you must know.
Normal (Z-score above -2.0):
It is generally a normal range for your age.
Below Normal (Z-score of -2.0 or lower):
A Z-score below -2.0 indicates that you have low bone density due to chronic illness, medication side effects, or hormonal fluctuations.
If you are an adult who is concerned with bone health, knowing T-score ranges should suffice. However, if you are young or are aware about the health conditions that can affect your bone loss, then Z-score ranges provide more detailed information.
Other Terms You Might See
While T-score and Z-score are comparison metrics against average norms, there are bone mineral content, area BMD, fat and lean mass in the DEXA scan report as well.
● Bone Mineral Content (BMC):
It provides actual mineral content present in your bones, measured in grams. Apart from comparison scores above, this number is best for tracking bone density changes for patients who are already treating Osteoporosis.
● Area Bone Mineral Density (BMD):
Unlike BMC, the Bone mineral density is the density value of a specific bone.
● Fat Mass and Lean Mass:
This is a body composition analysis to understand your body fat and muscle mass distribution.
Interpreting Your Results: What’s Next?
Now that you are able to compare and understand your bones health and body weight composition, let’s consider the next possible changes that you must make.
1. Lifestyle Adjustments:
If your results indicate Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, you must change your diet or take supplements to boost calcium or Vitamin D. Even weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or strength training can strengthen your unhealthy bones.
2. Medical Treatment:
If you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis, radiologists might recommend bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, or other medications.
3. Follow-Up Scans:
You should also follow-up DEXA scans every one to two years to track the progress.
4. Consider Underlying Health Conditions:
If your Z-score is unusually low, it might indicate issues like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, or chronic use of steroids which contribute to weak bones. Discuss any unusual results with your doctor to determine if further testing is necessary.
Final Words
We hope you found this blog useful. Coming to an end, it is clear that your health is in your hands when you can review your DEXA scan report and take preventive actions further.
As stated above, knowing your T-score, Z-score, Bone Mineral Content, Area Bone Mineral Density, and body fat and mass percentage helps in assessing the possibilities of fractures and Osteoporosis.
You must refine your lifestyle and follow up with your healthcare provider to make your DEXA scan results positive and a guiding force to stronger and healthier bones. Take the next step – schedule your online appointment for DEXA scan today with Care Scan.
